FROM THIS EPISODE

Irish singer/songwriter Lisa Hannigan has one of those versatile voices that make any song better. Beginning her career in collaboration with Damien Rice, followed by a Mercury Prize-nominated solo debut, she has already staked claim as a premiere artist, all within ten short years, despite the fact that many people would still likely recognize her talents before they would recognize her name. Nevertheless, her sophomore solo release, Passenger, will surely more firmly establish her visibility. At times singing with echoes of Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, Shelby Lynne and Sarah McLachlan, Hannigan is assisted by Grammy-winning producer Joe Henry in showing the many facets of her sound. She’s even joined by Ray LaMontagne on the track “O Sleep,” making for a natural pairing. Passenger is a perfect kick-off to autumn, a subtle gem of an album that is a sure-fire name-maker.